We know that young people thrive when surrounded by caring adults, when they have opportunities for growth and leadership, and when they are supported during these critical years as they discover and live into the person they are made to be!
Youth Employment

StreetLeaders

Our signature youth employment program, each year the StreetLeader program employs 50+ teens as counselors, tutors, and mentors to the children in our after school and summer camp programs. The program focuses on equipping young people as leaders in their own community.

Job Training & Leadership

From developing their resumes to securing a peer-leadership position, StreetLeaders have access to practical opportunities for growth.

New Experiences

At the job site and beyond, StreetLeaders have new and interesting experiences that promote growth, incite curiosity, and help them develop a vision for their future.

College & Career

SAT prep, FAFSA support, college tours, mentoring, and local career tours help prepare participants for their transition out of high school.

Academic Support

In addition to weekly tutoring, StreetLeaders have a variety of learning opportunities including financial literacy.

60+
Teens employed each year
Students have the opportunity to work in our environmental programs, after school programs, and summer camps
100%
Graduation Rate
In a city that sees a graduation rate of 60%, our high school provides the positive environment and individual attention which helps our students succeed
91%
Higher Ed Transition
Among our graduates, 84% transition to college and 7% enroll in vocational training
StreetLeader Highlights

Job Fair

Each spring, teens are invited to our three-part job fair, which teaches job application skills and culminates with interviews for a StreetLeader position.

Summer Orientation

During a weekend away in the woods, StreetLeaders engage in practical training, team-building, and outdoor exploration.

Outdoor Adventures

In the summer, StreetLeaders enjoy a variety of activities and explore the outdoors through rock climbing, paddling, cycling, and hiking.

Tips & Treks

During the school year, StreetLeaders enjoy a haunted house, ice skating, skiing, and adventures to Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond.

Financial Literacy

A summer series on financial literacy provides a practical foundation and encourages an intentional focus on money management starting with this early work experience.

Academic Support

Regular homework help, tutoring and special interest groups support students during their high school years.

TRIBE

Optional weekly gathering offers the opportunity for additional engagement and devotional studies and reflections.

“Nobody teaches you leadership like UrbanPromise… UrbanPromise is a pipeline to college and helps you become well-rounded, 
well-versed, and educated.”
Deja, Montclair State University, Class of 2022
Additional Job Opportunities

RiverGuides

Throughout the summer season, eight youth RiverGuides take hundreds of community members on ecology history paddle trips on the Cooper River.

In the BoatShop & the Lab

Three to four teens are employed to support boat-building programs for youth and to work as environmental advocates for clean water.

Alumni Interns

New to UrbanPromise, recent alumni are employed to support after school and summer camp programming while attending community college.

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Support our teens

Sponsorship

StreetLeader Sponsors make it possible for us to hire and retain youth employees! By becoming a sponsor, you provide the opportunity for young people to get their first job in a positive work environment that supports their overall well being and development in addition to equipping them with foundational job skills.

Upcoming Events

Tribe

Mar. 27, 2024
Meet our team
StreetLeader Director
Tony Vega
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Albert Vega
Program Administrator
Geneva McDowell